Gay filipinos
What makes the Philippines so same-sex attracted friendly? We asked our Pinoy friends around the world why gay friendly Philippines has such a pink reputation.
Most travelers backpacking around Asia told us the same thing – they came to the Philippines with short expectations but ended up departing completely besotted with the place!
The Philippines has 7, islands of which only 2, are inhabited. That's a shedload of tropical beaches to discover. The nation also straddles the Coral Triangle, which makes it a paradise for underwater adventurers – we had some of the finest snorkeling and scuba diving experiences here, particularly in the waters around Palawan.
And, it's super queer friendly! We rate the Philippines as one of the most gay friendly countries in Asia. Whilst it has a elongated way to go with its LGBTQ laws (as does almost every country in Asia), this was one of the uncommon countries in Asia where we felt super welcome as a gay couple.
We put this down to the Filipinos. They are extremely friendly, warm, and fun-loving people – the “Filipino hospitality”
Being in a gay association in the Philippines can be tricky. On one hand, being gay seems to be welcomed in the country—there are same-sex attracted celebrities who enjoy mainstream popularity, queer-friendly safe spaces, and even a queer pageant scene. On the other, gay hate crimes are not entirely uncommon, same-sex marriage is still not recognized, and many Filipinos may still be uneasy at the sight of two men or two women holding hands in public.
Still, gay couples in the Philippines are finding ways to navigate the tricky terrain and make their love thrive. Below, we ask some of them about their loves’ greatest challenges, what they’ve learned from their relationships, and their optimal advice for other same-sex attracted couples.
James Alcantara, 35, and JC Valenzuela, 37
Together for 12 years
What is the most challenging part of being a Filipino in a gay relationship in the Philippines? JC: Legal protection. We got engaged in Tel Aviv in But coming home to Manila, we realized we had no option but to plan our union abroad. While a destination wedding isn&#;t that terrible or out of the ordinary, the fact
Statement of the Psychological Association of the Philippines on Non-Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Phrase
August 14,
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Filipinos continue to life stigma, prejudice and discrimination in Philippine society. This stigma is manifested in actions such as: bullying, teasing and harassment of LGBT children and adolescents in families, schools and communities; media portrayal of LGBTs as frivolous, untrustworthy and even hazardous or predatory; denying transgender Filipinos entry into commercial establishments; pigeonholing LGBT Filipinos into particularly limited roles and occupations; or curtailing their rights to participate in the political sphere.
LGBT Filipinos often confront social pressures to hide, suppress or even try to change their identities and expressions as conditions for their social acceptance and enjoyment of rights. Although many LGBTs learn to cope with this social stigma, these experiences can bring about serious psychological distress, including immediate consequences such
of Service to Asia's
Gay & Lesbian Community!
| Despite its reputation as a fairly liberal haven for gays and lesbians, the Philippines has failed to guarantee legal protections of LGBTs in accordance with Merged Nations human rights conventions. The Philippine Congress again debated an Anti Discrimination Bill sumitted in , filed as House Bill or An Act Defining Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Providing Penalties Therefor. The bill would outlaw both practices and policies that limit the basic rights and freedoms of LGBT in schools, offices, commercial establishments, health care institutions, the civil service, police and military. |